Higher over the period
North America Meat Production per Capita moved from 99.83 Kilogram in 2015 to 106.3 Kilogram in 2024 (+6.4%), an average of +0.7% a year. The series high was 107.6 Kilogram in 2019 and the low 99.83 Kilogram in 2015.
What North America Meat Production per Capita shows
North America Meat Production per Capita was 106.3 Kilogram in 2024, up 0.7% on 2023. North America’s meat production per capita demonstrated a steady growth trend between 2015 and 2024, reflecting the region’s strong livestock industry, advanced agricultural infrastructure, efficient production systems, and sustained demand for animal-based products.
A 7.2% peak-to-trough swing
The gap between the series high (2019) and low (2015) is 7.73 Kilogram. The sharpest single-year move was −2.2% in 2020.
U.S. leads the region
Within North America, U.S. has the highest value in 2024 at 138.4 Kilogram.
Country ranking
Meat Production per Capita by country, 2024
Kilogram. Sort by any column, or search for a country.
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| Rank↕ | Country↕ | Share of top | Kilogram↕ | vs 2023 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | U.S. | 138.4 | +0.1% | |
| 2 | Canada | 130.7 | −2.3% | |
| 3 | Mexico | 63.84 | +2.6% | |
| 4 | Costa Rica | 59.00 | +0.6% | |
| 5 | Guatemala | 40.92 | −11.3% |
By region
Meat Production per Capita by region
Kilogram, 2024. Each bar is that region's total.
Full series
North America Meat Production per Capita by year
Complete annual series with year-on-year change. Values are reported in Kilogram.
Scroll the table sideways to see all columns.
| Year | Kilogram | Change vs prior year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 106.3 | +0.7% |
| 2023 | 105.5 | −0.9% |
| 2022 | 106.5 | +0.5% |
| 2021 | 106 | +0.8% |
| 2020 | 105.2 | −2.2% |
| 2019Peak | 107.6 | +2% |
| 2018 | 105.5 | +1.5% |
| 2017 | 103.9 | +1.8% |
| 2016 | 102 | +2.2% |
| 2015 Trough | 99.83 | — |
Data definition
Inclusions and exclusions
Meat Production per Capita — Meat Production per Capita refers to the annual quantity of total meat produced by a country or region divided by its population, measured in kilograms per person. The indicator represents the average domestic meat production availability per individual and provides insights into livestock sector performance, agricultural productivity, production capacity, and changes in food supply systems. The data covers total meat production, including major livestock and animal-based meat categories, and is presented as a per capita measurement to enable comparison across countries and regions of different population sizes.
The data includes total meat production from livestock and animal sources as classified in the global food production dataset. It covers major meat categories such as beef, pork, poultry, and other animal meats included within the total meat production calculation. The indicator incorporates annual production estimates converted into per capita values using population data, allowing analysis of production trends, growth patterns, and differences in livestock sector development across countries. The dataset provides historical time-series information and supports evaluation of agricultural output, food security conditions, and production efficiency.
The data excludes meat imports, exports, domestic consumption levels, and trade-related activities, as it measures production only. It does not represent actual meat availability or consumption per person, as differences may occur due to international trade, storage, processing losses, and supply chain factors. The indicator also does not measure livestock quality, production costs, environmental impacts, or nutritional consumption patterns. Values may differ from other sources due to variations in estimation methods, production reporting standards, and population data used for per capita calculations.
About this indicator
Meat Production per Capita — Meat Production per Capita refers to the annual quantity of total meat produced by a country or region divided by its population, measured in kilograms per person. The indicator represents the average domestic meat production availability per individual and provides insights into livestock sector performance, agricultural productivity, production capacity, and changes in food supply systems. The data covers total meat production, including major livestock and animal-based meat categories, and is presented as a per capita measurement to enable comparison across countries and regions of different population sizes.
The data indicates that meat production per capita increased from 99.83 kilograms in 2015 to 106.26 kilograms in 2024, highlighting the continued strength and development of the region’s meat production sector. The indicator provides insights into livestock productivity, agricultural performance, and the capacity of North American countries to maintain stable meat production.
During the initial period from 2015 to 2019, North America experienced consistent growth in meat production per capita. Production increased from 99.83 kilograms in 2015 to 107.56 kilograms in 2019, supported by improvements in livestock management, technological advancements, and strong agricultural output. The United States and Canada remained major contributors to regional production due to their large-scale livestock operations and developed food production systems.
Between 2020 and 2022, meat production per capita showed moderate fluctuations. Production declined slightly from 105.16 kilograms in 2020 before recovering to 106.52 kilograms in 2022. These changes reflected adjustments in supply chains, market conditions, and production dynamics influenced by global economic factors.
From 2023 to 2024, meat production per capita remained relatively stable. Production decreased slightly from 105.53 kilograms in 2023 before increasing to 106.26 kilograms in 2024. Mexico, Guatemala, and Costa Rica also contributed to regional growth, with Mexico showing a gradual increase from 52.29 kilograms in 2015 to 63.84 kilograms in 2024.
Overall, North America’s meat production per capita trends demonstrate a resilient and highly developed livestock sector. Continued investment in sustainable farming practices, technological innovation, and efficient production systems will remain important for supporting future growth and maintaining the region’s position in the global meat industry.
- Indicator
- Meat Production per Capita
- Region
- North America
- Unit
- Kilogram
- Coverage
- 2015–2024, annual
- Category
- Retail & Consumer
- Last updated
- July 2026
- Source
- Our World in Data
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Frequently asked questions
What is North America Meat Production per Capita?
Meat Production per Capita refers to the annual quantity of total meat produced by a country or region divided by its population, measured in kilograms per person. The indicator represents the average domestic meat production availability per individual and provides insights into livestock sector performance, agricultural productivity, production capacity, and changes in food supply systems. The data covers total meat production, including major livestock and animal-based meat categories, and is presented as a per capita measurement to enable comparison across countries and regions of different population sizes.
What was North America Meat Production per Capita in 2024?
North America Meat Production per Capita was 106.3 Kilogram in 2024, up 0.7% on 2023.
How has North America Meat Production per Capita changed between 2015 and 2024?
North America Meat Production per Capita moved from 99.83 Kilogram in 2015 to 106.3 Kilogram in 2024 (+6.4%), an average of +0.7% a year. The series high was 107.6 Kilogram in 2019 and the low 99.83 Kilogram in 2015.
Which year had the highest and lowest North America Meat Production per Capita?
The highest value was 107.6 Kilogram in 2019 and the lowest was 99.83 Kilogram in 2015.
What does the North America Meat Production per Capita data include and exclude?
Included: The data includes total meat production from livestock and animal sources as classified in the global food production dataset. It covers major meat categories such as beef, pork, poultry, and other animal meats included within the total meat production calculation. The indicator incorporates annual production estimates converted into per capita values using population data, allowing analysis of production trends, growth patterns, and differences in livestock sector development across countries. The dataset provides historical time-series information and supports evaluation of agricultural output, food security conditions, and production efficiency. Excluded: The data excludes meat imports, exports, domestic consumption levels, and trade-related activities, as it measures production only. It does not represent actual meat availability or consumption per person, as differences may occur due to international trade, storage, processing losses, and supply chain factors. The indicator also does not measure livestock quality, production costs, environmental impacts, or nutritional consumption patterns. Values may differ from other sources due to variations in estimation methods, production reporting standards, and population data used for per capita calculations.
Where does the North America Meat Production per Capita data come from?
The series is sourced from Our World in Data (https://ourworldindata.org/explorers/global-food?tab=table&time=2015..latest&country=USA~DEU~FRA~GBR~BRA~ZAF%3BhideControls&Food=Meat%2C+total&Metric=Production&Per+capita=true). It covers 2015–2024 and is reported in Kilogram.
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